Green Iguana

Description:

The Green Iguana is one of the largest lizards in the Americas with males averaging up to 6 feet long. They are arboreal and can climb up to 50 feet. During cold, wet weather they prefer to stay on the ground to stay warm. They are herbivores feeding on leaves, flowers & fruit. Populations are diminishing in their native range because they are often hunted for food or poached for the pet trade, yet populations are increasing outside of their native range due to relocation by hurricanes and by pet owners releasing them into the wild.

Habitat:

Northern Mexico to southern Brazil. Dense tropical forests to arid grasslands based on the geographic location. Species living in arid regions are generally smaller than those living in more tropical regions.

Notes:

Having had a Green Iguana for 14 years as a pet, I can attest that these lizards require a great amount of care in captivity and I do not recommend keeping them as pets without prior research of their needs. For anyone considering a Green Iguana as a pet, please read Melissa Kaplan's Green Iguana Care - She has devoted her life to raising reptiles in captivity and she has kindly provided the best information available: http://www.anapsid.org/iguana/